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What Are Plantar Warts?

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or breaks. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public places, excessive moisture, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include rough, grainy lesions, pain when walking, and small black dots within the wart. These growths can become uncomfortable and spread, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts and provide safe, effective treatments to remove them. Plantar warts can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar Fasciitis Facts

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel pain and discomfort. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. It is commonly caused by overuse of the foot, excessive standing, or walking for long periods, which strain the plantar fascia. Risk factors include obesity, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can provide a thorough assessment, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and create a tailored treatment plan to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If you have consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can begin a relief and treatment plan that is right for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Sunday, 05 April 2026

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Understanding Foot Problems in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects children under age 16. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Although many people think of arthritis affecting the hands or knees, the feet and ankles are commonly involved in children with this condition. When these joints are affected, walking, running, and daily activities can become difficult. Studies show that problems in the lower limbs often cause the greatest limits in movement and comfort. Children may experience ankle or foot pain, inflammation surrounding the tendons, or develop flat feet that place extra strain on the joints. When the disease is more active, these symptoms can greatly affect quality of life. Early care is important to protect growing joints. If your child has foot or ankle pain related to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Feet

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. When this disorder affects the feet, it can lead to progressive inflammation that damages joints, ligaments, and surrounding structures. Symptoms include persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness within the forefoot and toes. Over time, visible changes in appearance may occur as bone damage develops and toes begin curling or shifting from their natural position. These structural changes may alter foot shape and may affect shoe size or comfort when walking. Risk factors include genetic susceptibility and autoimmune disease patterns. A podiatrist can monitor joint health, reduce pressure on affected areas, and recommend supportive care. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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